Congo US Mineral Investment Deal Targets Copper and Cobalt

Congo US Mineral Investment Deal Accelerates Strategic Metals Access

The DRC is preparing a list of copper and cobalt projects for American investment. This move supports Washington’s strategy to counter China’s dominance in critical minerals. Mines Minister Louis Watum confirmed the list will arrive this week and form the basis of commercial negotiations, emphasizing that assets will not be offered on preferential terms.

The agreement follows a Dec. 4 accord granting US companies privileged access to Congo’s copper, cobalt, lithium, and tantalum reserves. These materials are crucial for electric vehicles, advanced electronics, and defence systems. Congo ranks as the world’s second-largest copper producer and leads global cobalt supply.

Historically, US companies avoided Congo due to conflict, corruption, and logistics. Meanwhile, Chinese operators like CMOC dominate production. Congo now hopes American investment will dilute Chinese control and diversify global supply chains.

US-Congo Mineral Pact Highlights Copper and Cobalt Opportunities

The pact forms part of the broader “Washington Accords,” a US-brokered peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda. The deal combines regional stability efforts with access to critical minerals. Congo will facilitate American investment while the US oversees a regional peace process.

China currently controls roughly 80% of Congo’s mining output. Key assets like Tenke Fungurume, formerly US-owned, are now operated by CMOC. The new initiative targets copper and cobalt to reduce dependency on Chinese supply for technologies like semiconductors, wind turbines, and defence equipment.

Washington identifies 60 critical minerals essential for strategic industries. President Trump’s administration emphasized diversifying supply, making Congo a priority for securing copper and cobalt outside Chinese influence.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Congo’s move signals a potential shift in global copper and cobalt markets. If American firms invest, supply chains for electric vehicles and battery metals could diversify significantly. However, geopolitical risks and local conflict may slow progress. Traders and investors should watch both the pace of US engagement and China’s response, as this dynamic may influence global commodity pricing and strategic metals availability.